Just then, Esther turned from the bench in front of them. She fixed her pretty green eyes on Oliver. Oliver gulped hard.

Edmunds such a show-off, she said, rolling her eyes. How are you getting on?

Olivers throat seemed to constrict. His palms grew sweaty.

No luck yet, he managed to stammer. You?

She shrugged. I could do it with the goggles but not without them.

Oliver suddenly remembered the ridiculous-looking glasses he was wearing. He tore them off, embarrassed.

So are you settling in now? Esther asked sweetly. Know your way around?

Tongue-tied, Oliver just nodded. The schools very big though. Ive only seen a fraction of it.

Have you been to the garden yet? Esther asked. I love it there. Its my favorite place to go.

I havent been there yet, Oliver admitted. Then suddenly he blurted, Maybe you could show me?

Esther paused. Her lips twitched into a smile. Yes. Id like that, she replied. After class?

Oliver nodded, then Esther turned back to face the front.

Hazel leaned over to Oliver.

Did you just ask Esther out on a date? she asked, eyebrows raised in disbelief.

Yes, Oliver squeaked. I think I did. Then, with a sudden surge of realization, he added, his voice trembling, And she said yes!

Hazel dissolved into fits of giggles. Nice one, Romeo.

Ralph looked impressed. I dont think Esthers ever agreed to date anyone, he said, slapping Oliver on the back. Now, just make sure you dont screw it up.

*

Ready?

Oliver looked up from his card into the eyes of Esther. Class had finished.

Oh, uh, yes, he stammered, feeling suddenly shy. He packed up his things and stood, catching his friends out of the corner of his eye winking and throwing thumbs up.

Oliver and Esther left the lecture hall and headed across the main atrium to one of the doors that Oliver had not yet had the opportunity to enter, the one marked with a G. When he opened it, he was surprised to see that it looked in every single way like the outside, though he knew it couldnt be. Everything in the school was underground, the gardens included, but it really looked like he was walking out into open ground. It even smelled of fresh vegetation and there was a gentle breeze. The air was warm, like a spring morning.

They walked slowly together through the grass, and reached a hedgerow filled with bright pink roses. Beside it was a faded brick path, which they followed together.

Wow, its nice here, Oliver commented.

Its a great place to meditate, Esther told him. For those of us who struggle to relax into our powers.

You struggle? he asked her. Why?

Esther looked uncomfortable, like she didnt really want to discuss it. My specialism is sonar, she said. It means Im quite limited.

Everyone says thats the worst one, Oliver commented, recalling the rankings his friends had told him.

Immediately, Oliver regretted his words. Esther looked crushed.